In many of us, the term alcoholism seems not to have existed. Most often, people don’t think that there is such a thing. Drinking is taken as part of socialization in our society. One may say that everyone drinks, why call some alcoholics and others not? Just like drug use, alcohol may be abused. True, drinking alcohol is sort of a way of socializing, however, do you call the act of someone drinking five bottles of beer alone sitting on a couch and watching a lame t.v. show socializing? This is where alcoholism comes into the picture.
Alcoholism exists. That is a fact. The compulsion and the intense consumption of alcohol. It is also considered a dependence to alcohol. The hazardous part is that alcohol does something to the person. It is like a demon that takes over anybody. Alcoholism could result in aggressive behavior such as unreasonable violence and hurting specifically directed at the loved ones.
These people surely need help. Rehabilitation centers exist to provide medication and therapy to aid the patient battle alcoholism and start life anew. Furthermore, if the person finds it very costly, there are other options for recovery.
Retaining sobriety and discontinuing the intake of alcohol are the common ground of individuals in Alcoholics Anonymous. Alcoholics Anonymous created the twelve-step program which served as their means in helping the people who have the great desire to run away from their depressing lives with alcohol and live a sober life. The twelve-step program involves the admission of powerlessness over alcohol, recognition of a benevolent higher power, moral inventory, complete and direct compensation to those harmed, and asking for direction, assistance, and power from God. Necessary to this procedure was the idea that the higher power be “of one’s own understanding”.
The scope of the Alcoholics Anonymous program is much broader than just changing one’s drinking behavior. The organization’s procedure encourages the change of the alcoholic’s character, creating a “personality change sufficient to recover from alcoholism” while abstaining from alcohol, one day at a time. The personality alteration is assumed to be brought about by means of a spiritual awakening gotten from doing the Twelve Steps, helping with duties and service work for Alcoholics Anonymous, and constant meeting attendance. Members are encouraged to locate an experienced fellow alcoholic called a sponsor to help them comprehend and follow the Alcoholics Anonymous program.
Alcoholics Anonymous requires no papers to sign, no fees to pay and no appointments to make. There are no intrusive questions, no obligations. Your space and anonymity will always be respected. You’ll never be met with a command to come back to AA. You can go to different meetings as little as you wish. Many people had no idea what to expect of their first meeting. For some the idea was quite scary, yet they were greatly relieved to find that their fears were groundless. Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are relaxed, friendly and open.
Based on testimonies of some who are members of Alcoholics Anonymous, entering the organization is not that easy. You don’t expect to recover overnight. It is a slow but sure process of reflecting and realizing that there is a problem with their lives and that they should face it. The good thing with Alcoholics Anonymous is that they don’t have to face their alcohol problems alone. Once they make a decision to devote themselves to the organization and fight the problem, they will be privileged to have all the support they needed in fighting the battle of their life. In Alcoholics Anonymous, members help each other stay sober and avoid triggering factors that could lead them back to the problem. The organization also allows the person to grow and change bad habits and start living a life that is worth living. Having the courage to recognize being an alcoholic is one thing. Having the strength to seek help form others in fighting its battle is yet another great thing.
Alcoholics Anonymous is a helping hand for individuals who are addicted to alcohol.